Eastport, Maine, once teetered on the edge of decline. Known as the easternmost city in the United States, this coastal community thrived for generations on fishing, shipping, and sardine canning. When the canneries closed in the 1980s, Eastport’s economic foundation crumbled. Unemployment spiked, and families moved away, leaving once-busy Water Street quiet and full of vacant storefronts. Yet against the odds, Eastport has staged an impressive comeback, driven by thoughtful real estate development, new business ventures, and a determined community spirit.
Local leaders began their turnaround plan in 2018 by looking carefully at Eastport’s natural attributes and historic identity. Rather than introduce generic commercial buildings, they focused on rehabilitating the aging but structurally sound properties that lined the waterfront. Structures dating back to Eastport’s maritime heyday were restored in a way that honored their history while infusing modern functionality. The Tides Institute & Museum of Art was one of the first triumphs. Once dilapidated, this 1887 building was rescued with grants, private donations, and passionate local support. It reopened as a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, artist residencies, and events that drew in both residents and tourists. Its success convinced many that Eastport still had a story worth telling.
To further enhance the downtown area, the town launched a Façade Improvement Program, offering grants and low-interest loans to property owners committed to restoring and revitalizing their buildings. The improvements went beyond paint and repaired windows. Local entrepreneurs transformed the former Eastport Savings Bank into a mix of community spaces, including a coffee shop and co-working offices, breathing fresh energy into the neighborhood. Similar projects up and down Water Street turned boarded-up storefronts into appealing destinations.
Recognizing that local businesses are a vital engine for small communities, Eastport established the Eastport Economic Development Initiative (EEDI) in 2019. This program offered financial incentives, training opportunities, and a mentorship network to help startups and small-scale enterprises thrive. Within a year, coffee roasters, breweries, bakeries, and specialty shops settled in renovated properties, brightening the town’s commercial district. The once-quiet streets filled with the scent of freshly roasted beans and the sound of conversations in new cafés and restaurants.
The rejuvenation extended beyond retail. Eastport’s roots in fishing found new life through innovative practices like sustainable kelp farming, pioneered by Eastport Sea Farms. In parallel, the rise of remote work spurred investment in better internet infrastructure, making it possible for digital entrepreneurs to relocate to Eastport’s scenic shores. The Eastport Business Center, a renovated harbor-front warehouse, became a communal space for remote workers and budding entrepreneurs. Offering modern office amenities in a historic setting, it attracted creative minds from well beyond Maine.
Tourism also became a driving force. Town leaders recognized they had something special in Eastport’s coastal charm and rich heritage. The Eastport Arts Center expanded its programming, hosting concerts, workshops, and festivals that drew visitors from across New England. The Eastport Pirate Festival, once a niche event, exploded into a three-day celebration of the town’s seafaring traditions, drawing thousands of visitors and boosting local businesses. Outdoor pursuits also got a boost as the Harbor Walk and local marinas received upgrades, inviting kayakers and sailors to explore the stunning Bay of Fundy.
In just four years, the signs of renewal are unmistakable. Eastport’s population has risen by about 15 percent, unemployment has dropped, and property values are climbing. Long-empty buildings have been repurposed as modern apartments, attracting young professionals and retirees alike. The community has rallied around a vision that honors local heritage while boldly embracing new industries.
Eastport’s story reveals the remarkable power of leveraging historical strengths, embracing new business ideas, and igniting community pride. By renovating existing spaces, supporting local entrepreneurs, and marketing its unique coastal character, Eastport transformed itself from a near-forgotten corner of Maine into a model of small-town resurgence. Residents once again believe in Eastport’s future, and their progress stands as a blueprint for other towns seeking to reclaim their own unique legacies.
